Global visitors invited to the United States under the International Visitor Leadership Program

The South Metro Denver Chamber and WorldDenver co-hosted a roundtable discussion last week in alignment with the Chamber’s Global Commerce Initiative. The roundtable’s purpose was to stimulate dialogue regarding social entrepreneurship between participants in the Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership program and Chamber members.

The roundtable discussion was progressive and good-natured, with a spectrum of topics including the roles governments play in business, difficulties for start-ups in developing countries, and even the power of SMS messages (texts) in regards to employment opportunities overseas. Other interesting subjects included: how incubators can foster start-ups, a South African law in which large companies must pay a tax to socially responsible causes, the abundance of small business in the U.S. market, and even benefits to franchising.

Of the program’s visitors, many have never traveled to the United States until now. During their three-week project here, they will attend meetings to examine the role of social entrepreneurship in the U.S., discuss best practices and innovative approaches to social change, discuss current trends shaping social innovation, and explore the impact of new and social media in regards to social entrepreneurship.

This event is part of the Chamber’s Global Commerce Initiative. The Chamber is positioning itself as the “Go To” Chamber in Colorado for international trade and global commerce, working to connect Colorado businesses with existing resources and new opportunities. The Chamber approaches this task in a collaborative manner with all of its strategic partners, including the Office of Economic Development and International Trade; World Trade Center Denver; US Export Assistance Center; Denver Metro Chamber.

The Office of International Visitors is responsible for this leadership program; it seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations through short-term visits to the U.S. for current and emerging foreign leaders - See more at: http://1.usa.gov/1NKKXBt.

Denver, CO, August 13, 2015 – For the third year in a row, Inc magazine ranked Greystone Technology on its list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. This year, Greystone was ranked at number 1547, up from 1750 from last year, and 2028 in 2013. Greystone has seen a three-year sales growth of 264%.

This annual list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy-America’s independent businesses. The list of companies includes well-known brands such as FitBit, Smashburger, Skratch Labs, Hydroflask, Craftsy, and Orange Theory Fitness. Furthermore, Greystone is listed alongside other thriving Colorado companies, like Skratch Labs, Acoma Energy, MinuteKey, and more.

"The story of this year's Inc. 5000 is the story of great leadership. In an incredibly competitive business landscape, it takes something extraordinary to take your company to the top," says Inc. President and Editor-In-Chief Eric Schurenberg. "You have to remember that the average company on the Inc. 5000 grew nearly six-fold since 2012. Business owners don’t achieve that kind of success by accident.”

Started in 1982, this prestigious list of the nation’s most successful private companies has become the hallmark of entrepreneurial success. Today, the list is a distinguished editorial award, a celebration of innovation, a network of entrepreneurial leaders, and an effective public relations showcase. The Inc. 5000 ranks companies by overall revenue growth over a three-year period.

“We’re thrilled, honored, proud and humbled to be named to this list once again. Its evidence of the tremendous team that’s been assembled here and the incredible work they’re doing,” says Greystone Director of Business Relations, Gary Aronhalt. “This year is particularly exciting for us because two of our clients, 3D Lacrosse and BridgeHealth Medical, are also on the list. We love the way we’ve contributed to one another’s growth, and look forward to deepening our impact!”

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has launched myRA (my Retirement Account), a new retirement savings account that can help people start saving for their future. If you don’t have access to a retirement savings plan through your job, myRA could be a good option for you.Why Open a myRA Account?myRA was developed to remove common barriers that keep people from saving. It’s simple safe and affordable.• No cost or fees to open and maintain an account• Contribute an amount you choose every payday ($2, $20, $200 – whatever fits your budget!)*• myRA will not lose money• The investment is backed by the U.S. Treasury• If you change jobs, the account stays with you, and you can contribute from multiple employers• Withdraw the money you put in without tax and penalty**It’s Easy to Get StartedmyRA makes it easy to sign up and start saving. You can sign up today at no cost. There are three simple steps.1. Open a myRA account at http://www.myRA.treasury.gov2. Set up automatic contributions through your employer3. Access your account online to watch your savings growWhy wait? You can begin taking more control of your future today. Visit http://www.myRA.treasury.gov to get started.

* Annual and lifetime contribution limits and annual earned income limits apply, as do conditions for tax-free withdrawal of interest. Limits listed are for 2015 and may be adjusted annually for cost-of-living increases. To learn about key features of a Roth IRA and for other requirements and details, see myRA.treasury.gov/roth-ira.** Withdraw interest earned without tax and penalty five years after your first contribution if you are over age 59 1/2 or meet certain other conditions, such as using the funds for the purchase of your first home.

Denver, CO – (August 25, 2015) - In late 2014, Metropolitan State University of Denver launched LearnOn––a new, affordable continuing education program for adult members of the community.

“Based on the positive response to our pilot program of nine courses last spring,” said Dr. Mary Ann Watson, LearnOn’s director, “we were encouraged to expand the course offerings this year––the 50th anniversary of the University.”

Beginning in September 2015 and scheduled throughout the year, LearnOn will offer 32 wide-ranging, not-for-credit courses taught by MSU Denver faculty that encompass a variety of topics including “Film-Making on a Budget,” “Healthy Fish Cookery,” “Latino History,” “Prison Culture and Restorative Justice,” “Journey to Space,” “History and Walking Tours of Denver,” “3-D Printing,” “Reconsidering Your Career at Mid-Life,” and “Gender, Orientation, and Sexuality in the 21st Century.”

Most courses will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. for two to four weeks and will cost $10.00 per classroom hour. Also, most courses will be held at the MSU Denver Student Success Building on the downtown Auraria Campus, with other classes taking place at South Campus (I-25 and Orchard) and the Center For Visual Arts on Santa Fe Drive.For a complete listing of classes and to register, go online to: www.msudenver.edu/learnon or call 303-556-3657. Application to MSU Denver not required.

DENVER — (July 28, 2015) — Denver Water’s Citizens Advisory Committee, the 10-member volunteer committee that facilitates public involvement for Denver Water policies and programs, has openings for a representative from Denver, the West Slope and a surrounding suburb.

The CAC typically meets the third Thursday of each month, 5–7 p.m., in the Board Room at Denver Water, 1600 W. 12th Ave., Denver, CO 80204.

To qualify, all applicants must have been a resident of Colorado for at least five years and meet the following criteria for the position:

Denver Representative: Applicants must reside within the city limits of Denver and be a customer of Denver Water in their private residence. This position is a replacement for a recently vacated position and assumes the original three-year term of January 2015 through December 2017.West Slope Representative: Applicants must reside in Mesa, Delta, Montrose or Garfield county. This position is a replacement for a recently vacated position and assumes the original three-year term of January 2014 through December 2016.Suburban Representative: Applicants must reside in a surrounding suburb served by Denver Water. The position is a three-year term that will start January 2016 and go through December 2018.

Denver Water proudly serves high-quality water and promotes its efficient use to 1.3 million people in the city of Denver and many surrounding suburbs. Established in 1918, the utility is a public agency funded by water rates, new tap fees and the sale of hydropower, not taxes. It is Colorado's oldest and largest water utility. For more information, visit www.denverwater.org, subscribe to our blog and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Whether you are boosting growth or just starting up, the Arapahoe Libraries can partner with you to see your business thrive. From market analysis tools and online learning to meeting spaces, the libraries are bursting with the business resources you need to succeed.Libraries: The Place for Space Want to see where an idea will take you? Need to collaborate or get organized? Stay an hour or all day at the libraries. Arapahoe Libraries offers:

Meeting rooms for groups of two to 200

Public computer terminals

Work spaces with outlets and free Wi-Fi

Cafes offering Coda coffee and culinary delights from Etai’s Bakery

Studio space with audio recording equipment, green screens, and more

Copying, printing, scanning and faxing

Dig Deeper with Library Research ToolsBusiness resources featuring customer and market insights are plentiful, and librarian assistance is available for the following:

Target market research tools to help identify and reach customers

Popular books for business available for checkout at the library or at the South Metro Denver Chamber

Access to the latest trending business e-books and hottest business e-magazines available for download

Databases include ReferenceUSA and Demographics Now, which offer a goldmine of information including demographics and contact information for your customers

Other databases that business leaders often use include Consumer Reports, financial databases such as MorningStar and Small Business Reference Center, to name just a few.

Take the Training OnlineArapahoe Libraries subscribes to online training courses that can save your company thousands of dollars. You and your employees can take professional courses such as Adobe Photoshop, social media, QuickBooks, and project management.

All Business: Meet Librarian Alicia CartwrightArapahoe Libraries’ business librarian Alicia Cartwright is passionate about supporting professionals in their quest for success with library resources to boost future efficiency. She would love to chat or meet with you one-on-one. Call 303-LIBRARY, or email her at acartwright@ald.lib.co.us.

Denver, CO - (August 11, 2015) - The South Metro Denver Chamber is hosting its first ever STEM Summit on Friday, October 30, 2015 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. The mission of the 2015 Colorado STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Summit is to create a non-partisan, highly interactive and collaborative communication forum that aligns and connects business leaders, educators, policy makers, stakeholders, and thought leaders to assure STEM education and training for all Coloradans. The approximate Summit will include keynotes by bestselling author Thomas Friedman as well as National STEM Spokesperson Norman Augustine.

The program will begin with comments from Lt. Governor Joe Garcia, followed by a keynote from Norman Augustine. A business panel will follow, including panelists Mark Van Tine; CEO of Jeppesen/VP Digital Aviation Boeing, Ray Johnson; IBM Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs Manager, Tom Cycyota; President and CEO of Allosource, and Chris Gdowski, Esq; Superintendent, Adams 12 Five Star Schools.

There will also be an education panel featuring Becky Takeda- Tinker, Ph.D; President – CSU Global Campus, Bill Kurtz; CEO – DSST Public Schools, Linda Reed; Superintendent, Archuleta School District, and Brian Ewert; Superintendent, Littleton Public Schools. Our luncheon keynote will be Thomas Friedman. Breakout sessions will be held in the afternoon; topics include: Engaging girls in STEM programs, Keeping educators ahead of the curve, Reviving careers with STEM skills, and Strengthening partnerships between business and education.

This event will also serve to celebrate the ongoing efforts of partners in advancing STEM with: the update on the progress of the Colorado STEM roadmap, the announcement of new commitments to ensure every Coloradan has access to the STEM education, and issuance of a call-to-action from the business community to policy makers.

In addition to Friday, the 2015 Colorado STEM Summit will continue on Saturday, October 31, by invitation only, at the University of Colorado South Campus – Wildlife Experience – from 8:00 am – 12:30 pm. Saturday’s focus will be on legislation; there will be a policy discussion and forum for action session for key business leaders, state and federal officials, legislators, and school district leaders. Confirmed attendees include Senator Cory Gardner and Senator Michael Bennet, both of Colorado.

Statistics have motivated change within the STEM community: By 2020, 74% of all jobs in Colorado will require some level of postsecondary education. 55% of the best jobs in Colorado – as defined by projected high openings, above average growth rates, and those offering at least a family supporting wage – require skills in science, technology, engineering and math. The Summit is addressing these issues; to build a talent pipeline that benefits citizens and the economy.

About our keynote speakers: Lt. Gov. Joseph Garcia brings a passion for education and public service to the state Capitol. Before he was elected Lieutenant Governor, Joe was president of Colorado State University – Pueblo. During his four-year tenure at the University, Joe helped the university overcome financial difficulties, stagnant enrollment and a mediocre reputation through aggressive marketing and non-traditional solutions. Norman Augustine was chair of "The Rising Above The Gathering Storm" committee with the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering. He served as president of Lockheed Martin Corporation upon the formation of that company in 1995, and became CEO later that year. He is the National Spokesperson of STEM, has received the National Medal of Technology by the President of the United States, among numerous other honors. Bestselling author of The World is Flat and columnist for The New York Times, Thomas Friedman is renowned for his direct reporting and sophisticated analysis of complex issues facing the world. As winner of three Pulitzer Prizes, he has covered monumental stories from around the globe for The New York Times since 1981.

Please visit www.coloradostemsummit.com for more information and registration dates. For additional questions and sponsorship opportunities, contact Brian Bartony of the South Metro Denver Chamber, bbartony@bestchamber.com.

The South Metro Denver Chamber’s mission is to provide value to its members and the community through being action-oriented in business transformation, economic development, and public policy, providing members the opportunity for community involvement and a platform to build strategic partnerships and remarkable relationships.Contact: Brian Bartony, 303.795.0142, office, BBartony@BestChamber.com###